Best Dispersed Camping near Fresno, CA

Campers looking for dispersed camping around Fresno will find several free options in the surrounding public lands. Dispersed Spot welcomes pets and gives you room to camp without designated sites or neighbors close by. Fish Camp works well for both tent and RV backcountry camping, though you'll need to bring everything with you since these areas have no bathrooms or water sources. The dirt roads leading to most dispersed sites near Fresno often require vehicles with good clearance, especially after rain. You'll need to follow Leave No Trace practices and keep your campsite at least 200 feet from any water or roads. Most areas limit stays to 14 days within any 30-day period. Before heading out, check current fire rules as they change seasonally - sometimes no fires are allowed at all. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping around Fresno. Summer temperatures regularly climb above 100°F in lower elevations, while winter brings snow to higher spots. The nearest supplies are typically 30-45 minutes away in smaller towns, so stock up before heading to your site. Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent in most dispersed camping areas outside Fresno.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fresno, California (22)

    1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    36 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    50 miles
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great location, close to Yosemite Park which allows you to sleep for free. the spot was clean, impressive camper vans were present and they were parked on the tarmac. lots of pitches, vans can be placed"

    2. Momyer Creek Trail 1E06

    2 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    3. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    10 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    46 miles
    Website

    "Super convenient free camping between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. A park ranger directed me here when all the campgrounds in the park were full."

    "I visited both parks and needed a place to sleep in my car, I had seen this spot on this site before so I looked and found it, it’s a dirt road but my matrix did fine driving through."

    4. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    5 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "We were lucky there was enough room to pass plus in the dark you can see what’s coming as other reviews mention, the road in is narrow in parts and around 1 mile before you get to the camp ground."

    "Everything else was a little bit of a drive away

    You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part."

    5. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    49 miles

    "Here is the correct location. You can take a dirt road from this parking lot in order to camp in the woods.

    Dropped pin https://goo.gl/maps/2gskCbuY8XRMD82x5"

    "As previously mentioned, these coordinates are not correct, if you travel beyond the coordinates towards the South Park Entrance and pass the Springdale Campground on your left, you will see a sign shortly"

    6. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    9 Reviews
    Mendota, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!"

    "Easy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park.

    Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out"

    7. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    7 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes."

    "Nice quiet spot right outside the park!"

    8. Road to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot

    3 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "I’ve camped here for 14 days on two different occasions. It’s very private other than the manager for the Armenian Camp who comes up and down the road everyday, a few more campers on the weekend."

    9. Boondocking - Coalinga

    5 Reviews
    Coalinga, CA
    45 miles

    "You can hear a highway close but honestly, not bad. I feel pretty relaxed and safe here."

    "Got tired and needed a place to sleep for the night; this area is popular with semi drivers and safe and quiet, with 24-hour bathrooms nearby."

    10. JO Pass

    1 Review
    Lakeshore, CA
    48 miles
    Website

    "The landscape is rocky so you will need to be careful when setting up your tents and also be aware of any fire dangers or restrictions in the area."

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fresno, CA

88 Reviews of 22 Fresno Campgrounds



Guide to Fresno

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fresno, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Fresno, California

Scenic Views and Nature Exploration for Dispersed Campers

  • For breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, check out Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while being close to Yosemite.
  • If you're looking for a spot with easy access to trails, Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area offers beautiful views and is perfect for off-road enthusiasts.
  • The Tumey Hills Box Canyon area is known for its stunning green hills, making it an ideal location for photography and nature walks.

Activities While Free Camping Near Fresno

  • For those who enjoy hiking, JO Pass provides a challenging hike with beautiful views and the chance to explore nearby lakes.
  • If you're into off-roading, Trimmer Springs Road Riverside is a great spot to set up camp and hit the trails during the day.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of North Fork Confluence, where you can cast a line in serene waters while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fresno, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fresno, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fresno, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Fresno, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.